System for translating diverse programming languages

ABSTRACT

A computer language translator that translates all or any portion thereof of source code in an original computer language to source code in a target computer language, which may then be translated back to the original language while still maintaining concept, syntax, form of expression, and formatting of the original source code. The translator may take the form of a tool that resides on a server such that the user may select file of source code corresponding to desired functionality and the user may indicate which computer language the file should provided in. The tool will then translate the selected file to the desired computer language.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for translatingsource code between different computer languages and different operatingenvironments. More specifically, the present invention relates to abi-directional computer language translator where source code written inan original language may be translated to a target language, and thenmay be translated back to the original language while still maintainingconcept, syntax, form of expression, and formatting of the originalsource code.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computer systems and applications have reached almost every market on aglobal scale. As a result, vast sums of money are spent in researchingand developing new applications and programs. Typically, theseapplications are written in a computer language selected by a softwaredeveloper or by a group of software developers.

A trend among software developers has been toward use of object-orientedprogramming (“OOP”) languages. Three major categories of OOP languagesare (1) systems programming languages, which are generally unmanaged andnatively compiled and, in turn, executed natively; (2)productivity-oriented business application programming languages, whichare generally managed and compiled to non-native bytecodes or anon-native intermediate language (“IL”) and, in turn, executednon-natively by a managed runtime environment or virtual machine; and(3) scripting languages, which are generally managed and expressed inplain text source code instead of a binary form like compiled languages,and, in turn, plain text source code is executed non-natively by ascripting runtime environment or virtual machine.

Scripting languages are relatively easy-to-program computer languagesthat use simpler and more permissive forms of expression than compiledlanguages, such as Java and C++. Scripting language programs are usuallyexpressed in plain text as source code instead of a binary form likecompiled programs, which makes them very readable and easy to modify.They are generally interpreted instead of being explicitly compiled bythe programmer. This means that programmers see immediate results fromtheir programming statements and makes for a very interactivedevelopment experience. These features make scripting languages wellsuited for beginners, experimentation and research, systemadministrative tasks, and high-productivity, fast-turn-arounddevelopment projects. Scripting languages are becoming dominant in Webprogramming, both for Web server and Web client programming. Scriptinglanguages are also used in, for example, Adobe Flash, integrated runtimeenvironments from Adobe, Microsoft, and Sun, desktop operatingenvironments like Mac OS X, as well as mobile devices, such as forexample, but not limited to, the iPhone® that runs iOS, and the variousAndroid devices that run Android OS. The mobile devices would alsoinclude tablet devices, such as for example, but not limited to, theiPad® that runs iOS, or the Google Nexus® and Samsung Galaxy® that runGoogle's Android OS. For these reasons, scripting languages are verypopular with programmers and the range of devices that supports themcontinues to grow.

Systems programming languages are typically used for developingperformance critical applications, operating systems, operatingenvironments, operating system specific applications, managed runtimeenvironments and virtual machines, embedded systems, and hardwarespecific software, such as for instance, device drivers. Systemsprogramming languages are generally lower-level languages which offerfiner control over the run-time execution of applications. Systemsprogramming languages include, for instance but are not limited to C andC++.

Productivity-oriented business application languages are typically usedfor developing applications for electronic commerce, wireless devices,multimedia devices and platforms, accessing databases, web applications,and other business-related needs. Productivity-oriented businessapplication languages are generally higher-level languages which offergreater programmer productivity and increased reliability during therun-time execution of applications. Business application languagesinclude, for instance but are not limited to Java® and C# (pronounced,“C-Sharp”). These however, are just a few of the many OOP languages thatmay be utilized in generating applications.

Traditionally, software developers choose one computer language forsystems programming and another for business applications programming.In doing so, however, they must make sacrifices and accept the tradeoffsof the selected language. The application, design methodology, andbusiness model may all factor into the choice of programming languageused for a particular application.

For instance, C++ is typically viewed as an advantageous language forcreating large-scale applications, whereas Java is typically viewed asoptimized for the distribution of program objects in a network such asthe Internet. Java is generally considered a higher level language thanC++, that is, closer to the actual business application. As a result,many programmers prefer to write programs in Java because it isgenerally considered an easier language to use than C++.

Another advantage Java provides is that Java objects cannot containreferences to data external to themselves or other known objects. Thisensures that an instruction input by a programmer cannot contain anaddress of data storage in another application or in the operatingsystem itself, either of which could cause the program and possibly eventhe operating system to terminate or crash. In addition, Java utilizes avirtual machine that makes a number of checks on each object to ensureintegrity. This results in a finished application that is not prone tolow-level memory errors and requires considerably less debugging. C++ onthe other hand does not have these safety functions such that aprogrammer may inadvertently or maliciously cause problems with theoperating system. In addition, many of the computer viruses seen todayexploit this characteristic of C++ to cause widespread computerproblems. Many of these problems could be avoided by utilizing Javabecause of the built-in safety checks and balances inherent to thelanguage.

Alternatively, there are some distinct advantages associated with C++ asopposed to Java. For instance, C++ is generally considered a higherperformance language than Java. Once an application is written in C++,it may be compiled to native code or machine code, as opposed to Java,which is typically compiled into bytecode. As a result, unlike Java, aprogram compiled into native code does not need to operate with avirtual machine, which results in increased application performance.Another advantage to compiling a program to native code is that it isvery difficult to derive the C++ source code from the native code,whereas it is a fairly simple matter to derive the Java source code fromthe compiled bytecode. Therefore, C++ can provide greater protection fora company's intellectual property.

In view of the forgoing, there is an inherent tension between using Javaand using C++. Many programmers would prefer to write programs in Java,however many companies want their end product to be completed in C++ sothat it may be compiled into native code. However, companies alsorecognize the benefits of using Java, realizing that it may be a fasterand less expensive way to get new products and services to market. Thisis because Java is generally considered an easier language to use andalso because of the greatly reduced debugging time associated with newapplications.

Historically it has been very difficult or nearly impossible to converta program written in C++ to Java and/or vice versa. To do so requiresmanual porting, which is generally labor intensive, error prone, andrequires extensive re-testing.

To address these issues and minimize the differences between computerlanguages, a number of existing systems have tried a number ofapproaches. These include for instance: (1) cross-languageinteroperability layers and object mapping mechanisms; (2) nativecompilers for traditionally non-natively compiled languages; (3)programs which convert or migrate computer programs from one language toanother language; and (4) programs which translate computer programsbetween different computer languages. None of these approaches, however,have provided an acceptable solution.

For instance, one approach taken is cross-language interoperabilitylayers and object mapping mechanisms including the Sun Microsystems®Java Native Interface™ (JNI), the Microsoft® Common Object Model™ (COM),and the Object Management Group® (OMG) Common Object Request BrokerArchitecture™ (CORBA). Such solutions are generally suited forintegrating two or more different computer languages and operatingenvironments. However, they do not eliminate the need for middleware,such as virtual machines, managed runtime environments, and objectrequest brokers (ORBs), but instead increase dependence on these. Thisdependence make these solutions unsuitable for demanding low-levelsystems programming for developing for instance, operating systems,virtual machines, and embedded systems.

A second approach taken includes native compilers for traditionallynon-natively compiled languages including, for instance, the GNU®Compiler for Java (GCJ) and the Excelsior JET. The GNU Compiler for Java(GCJ) is a free (open source) software project and is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,110,226. These products compile Java source code or Javabytecode, a platform-independent intermediate language, to native binaryexecutables. The GCJ compiler may generate native binary executables,which do not require a virtual machine to execute program, so long asthe compiled Java program does not make use of Java classes or objects,which are externally referenced or otherwise not natively compiled. Inthe latter case, the compiled native binary executable requires aninternal (statically-linked) or external (dynamically-linked) virtualmachine, which suffers from the same drawbacks as cross-languageinteroperability layers and object mapping mechanisms. Alternatively,Excelsior JET for instance, generates native binary executables thatgenerally depend on the presence of a virtual machine on the clientsystem in order to run. However, these requirements carry the samedrawbacks as common cross-language interoperability layers and thereforenegate most of the benefits of native compilers.

While the GCJ compiler does support interoperability with C++ throughCNI (Cygnus® Native Interface), this means of interoperability however,is effectively limited to the GNU C++ compiler. GCJ does not supportinteroperability with leading platform-specific C++ compilers, such asMicrosoft Visual C++® for Microsoft Windows® operating system, nor doesit support the industry-standard JNI to interoperate with leading Javavirtual machines. Additionally, native compilers do not translate sourcecode to another computer language, so they do not inherently benefitfrom wealth of available software development tools, such as compilers,linkers, optimizers, and debuggers, or features of other popularcomputer languages, such as C++.

A third approach has been to convert or migrate source code in onecomputer language to another computer language. This approach isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,453,464 (“the '464 patent”). This approachis directed toward migrating source code from an aging computerlanguage, such as for instance COBOL, to an OOP language, such as Java.However, the resulting translated source code does not fully preservethe style and spirit of the original source code, is not easilyhuman-readable, and does not support translation back to the originallanguage. Therefore, the system disclosed in the '464 patent cannot beused for bi-directional translation between OOP languages to combine thebest features of both languages.

A fourth approach taken has included computer language-to-computerlanguage translation. Existing translators include Toba, C2J, and J2C,among others. These solutions, however, have severe limitations of theirrespective design and implementation. For instance, they fail to: manageobjects exactly like the original language, manage arrays exactly likethe original language, maintain the same high-level of thread safetycharacteristic in the original language, and support the full breadth offeatures of the original language. Additionally, none of theseapproaches support nor addresses bi-directional translation. Stillfurther, these one-way translation approaches generally requiretranslation of the entire application at one time, rather than providingfor translation of only a file or a portion of a file.

Most modern scripting languages support Object-Oriented Programming(OOP) features. Such object-oriented scripting languages include, butare not limited to, JavaScript, Ruby, Python, Perl and PHP.Object-oriented programming features make such scripting languageseasier to understand and their programs more maintainable. Further, toassist programmers, modern object-oriented programming languages havetheir own language-specific API class library.

However, not all the world's programmers are proficient in scriptinglanguages and not all the world's devices support, or efficientlysupport, scripting languages. For example, a developer proficient in C++or Java may prefer to run an existing C++ or Java program in a scriptingenvironment. To do so, the developer would need to become proficient inthe target scripting language and its associated API class library andwould need to manually rewrite the existing C++ or Java program in thetarget scripting language. As another example, a developer proficient ina certain scripting language, such as JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Perl orPHP, would need to rewrite the program in C++ in order to run on anembedded or mobile device that did not support scripting languages.

Further, not all scripting languages are supported on all devices thatsupport scripting. For example, Web browsers generally only supportJavaScript and not Ruby, Python, Perl or PHP. Still further, a developermay need to produce a program that runs at peak efficiency on a device.Even though the device supports scripting languages, in order to performat maximum speed and efficiency, the program must instead use a compiledprogramming language, such as C++. In this example, the developer wouldneed to be proficient in C++ and either create or rewrite the program inC++ in order to meet the project requirements.

Further, there is a vast amount of source code, especially open sourceprograms, readily or freely available on the Internet and throughvarious other forms of distribution, such as CD-ROM and DVD-ROM.However, usually an individual program is only available for oneparticular computer language or perhaps a few computer languages. It iscommon for software developers to come across source code, especially bysearching the Internet or by examining public source code repositories,which meet their needs except that the source code they have found is ina different computer language than their project requires. Suchdevelopers are faced with either manually porting the source code totheir target computer language or limit their search results to onlysource code in their target computer language, neither option beingdesirable.

Further, for various business and technical reasons, certain deviceswill lack support for a particular scripting language and scriptingruntime environment. The ability to add support for a particularscripting language and scripting runtime environment would be adesirable feature for consumers and vendors alike, especially if thefeature could be provided entirely in software without requiring anyhardware modifications. For example, the lack of support for Adobe Flashand its associated scripting language ActionScript on the iPhone hasbeen a cause for complaint on the part of present and prospective iPhoneuser alike. At present, the wide range of Adobe Flash and ActionScriptlanguage programs are not available to iPhone users.

Further, the inherent nature of scripting language programs beingexpressed in plain text source code is highly undesirable for certainapplications and certain organizations. In order to safeguardintellectual property, preserve trade secrets, and prevent tampering,especially related to computer security, online crime, and circumventingprotection schemes for digital media, it would be essential that certainapplications only be distributed in compiled binary form. This wouldeither preclude scripting languages for such applications, or it wouldnecessitate manually porting existing scripting language programs to acompiled language before being externally distributed.

For these reasons, it is desirable for an invention to automaticallytranslate source code from an object-oriented scripting language to acompiled object-oriented programming language.

In line with this, it is further desirable to seamlessly andautomatically translate a program at runtime, such as during the processof downloading and starting the program, from a foreign, or unsupported,object-oriented scripting language to a scripting language for which thehost device includes built-in support.

Further, it is desirable for an invention to automatically translatesource code from a compiled object-oriented programming language to anobject-oriented scripting language.

Still further, is desirable for an invention to automatically translatesource code from an object-oriented scripting language to anotherobject-oriented scripting language.

It is further desired to provide a computer language translation systemthat may be coupled with associated software libraries and accuratelyand reliably translate source codes between higher-levelproductivity-oriented business application programming languages andsystems programming languages.

It is still further desired to provide a bi-directional computerlanguage translation system that may accurately and reliably translatesource code from a higher-level productivity-oriented businessapplication programming language to a systems programming language andback again.

It is yet further desired to provide a computer language translationsystem that is usable with multiple computing platforms, operatingsystems, and operating environments.

It is also desired to provide a computer language translation systemthat provides deterministic automated object management without agarbage collector in order to be suitable for embedded systems.

It is still further desired to provide a computer language translationsystem that may utilize industry-standard compiler tools, such as forinstance, ANSI® C++ compilers.

It is yet further desired to provide a computer language translationsystem that will be virtual machine agnostic, specifically, that will beable to operate without a virtual machine, or conversely, if desired,able to interoperate with an industry standard virtual machine.

It is still further desired to provide a computer language translationsystem that adheres to industry standards for cross-languageinteroperability, such as JNI for interoperability between Javaenvironments and C++ environments.

It is also desired to provide a computer language translation systemthat can be utilized by an Internet or Intranet search engine in orderto automatically translate search results comprising source code fromthe original computer language of the found source code to the preferredcomputer language of the user requesting the search.

It is also desired to provide a computer language translation systemthat can be utilized by the search indexing engine of an Internet orIntranet search engine. As the search indexing engine comes acrosssource code, the search indexing engine can use the invention toautomatically translate source code from the original computer languageof the source code to a multiplicity of computer languages, and thenindex the source code in its original computer language as well as amultiplicity of computer languages. This would allow the search engineto find more code sample in diverse computer languages regardless of thecomputer language of the search query itself.

It is yet further desired to provide a computer language translationsystem that may be utilized to translate only a portion of the sourcecode to be translated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a bi-directional translator has been provided thattranslates source code from one computer language to another divergentcomputer language. The translated source code closely resembles theoriginal program source code in: concept, syntax, form of expression,and formatting. The system may be utilized as either an automatictranslator that automatically translates source code from one computerlanguage to another, or may be utilized in connection with a softwaredevelopment library that enables programs to be manually ported from onecomputer language to another.

When the system is utilized to automatically translate, a software toolis provided that automatically translates programs written in forinstance, the Java language to the C++ language, the Objective-Clanguage, the Smalltalk language, or from or to a scripting language,such as JavaScript, Python, Ruby or Perl. The tool makes use of tablesand specific language knowledge of Java and C++ or the scriptinglanguage. This tool does not require clean-up or hand editing aftertranslation. The final translated programs may be built and run as is.

Alternatively, if the system is used by a programmer who is manuallyporting the source code, a software development library that implementsthe Java language and core APIs in ANSI standard C++ syntax is provided.Manually ported C++ programs, which make use of the library, closelyresemble the original programs in the Java language.

Because of the nature of divergent OOP languages, such as Java and C++or scripting languages, the divergent languages are incompatible,meaning that one word does not simply translate straight to anotherword. For instance, the way variables are identified in Java isdifferent than in C++. To achieve bi-directional translation, thesystem, in resolving incompatibilities performs a name adjustment thatis consistently utilized throughout. Because the name adjustments arealways consistent, the system may re-translate either the entiredocument or only small sections as desired.

The system also utilizes tagged elements or tags, which are inserted bythe system to control how for instance; a specific section of sourcecode is translated. The tagged element may include a Java instructioninserted into the C++ translation. In this manner, if the Java sourcecode instruction is incompatible with any C++ source code instruction,the original is not lost, but instead is maintained in a tagged elementwithin the C++ source code. This feature facilitates bi-directionaltranslation because the original language may be exactly re-created fromthe translation, even with incompatibility problems.

It is understood that the software that executes the translation of OOPlanguage(s) may reside on a computer operated by a user (a programmer).However, it should be understood that the translation software mayreside on a web server in the “cloud.” A user may visit a location onthe Internet to obtain open source code (e.g., sites such as GitHub.comand the like). However, the source code may be provided in a firstprogramming language that the user does not want to utilize. In thiscase, it is contemplated that a translation tool may be provided in thecloud allowing the user to translate the software from the firstprogramming language to a desired second programming language.

In one embodiment, the translation tool could be positioned on a serveraccessible by a web page such that the user can upload the source codein the first programming language to the web page, then select thedesired second programming language the user desires the source code tobe translated to. When completed, the translation tool could alert theuser that the translation process is completed. The source code in thedesired second programming language could be pushed out to the user(e.g., emailed to an email address provided by the user as an archivefile, such as a .zip file or the like) or could notify the user that thesource code is ready to be downloaded (e.g., the user can click on alink provided in a notification that takes the user to a web page todownload the source code in the second programming language).

Alternatively, it should be understood that the translation tool couldbe provided as a tool on the web page the user is obtaining the sourcecode from. For example, the user could visit a web page, browse forsource code providing a particular functionality, and when codeproviding the desired functionality is identified, the user could bepresented with an option to select the OOP language the user would liketo receive the source code in (e.g., Java, C++, C#, etc.). In thismanner, the user would not have to upload the source code to a differentwebsite as the translation tool is executing on the web page the userobtained the source code from. Again, the source code would be providedin the desired OOP language as a file(s) pushed out to the user orprovide a notification allowing the user to pull the file(s) as desired.

It is further understood that in another embodiment the user may beprovided with a preview of the individual translated files. For example,the user may select source code and then have the translation tooltranslate the selected source code to a desired OOP language. Oncetranslated, the user could be presented with a preview of individualfiles that have been translated by the tool. In still anotherembodiment, the translation tool could allow the user to execute thetranslated program over the Internet to view and/or evaluate thefunctionality of the translated source code.

It is further understood that in another embodiment the user may chooseto compile and build the translated source code into an executablebinary application package or a binary library. Once built, theexecutable binary application package or binary library could be pushedto one or more app stores, software component stores, or beta testingsites, such as TestFlight® (testflightapp.com). In addition, the usermay choose to build the application or library for a multiplicity of OSplatforms, device platforms, app stores, and beta testing sites. Inaddition, the user may choose to package source code along with thebinary application or library, which may be necessary to satisfy opensource licensing requirements or other deployment requirements.

It is further understood that the user may subscribe to automaticupdates to translated source code as well as to binary executableapplications and libraries built from such translated source code. Thetranslation process and updates could be triggered by commits to thesource code of user-specified projects in an online source coderepository, such as GitHub. Alternatively, the automatic updates couldbe scheduled at a user-specified time interval, such as hourly or daily.In either case, the latest source code would be obtained fromuser-specified source code repository before translation and building.In addition, the translation tool and build process could be run by acontinuous integration server, such as Jenkins.

Throughout this application the following definitions apply:

The term “data” as used herein means any indicia, signals, marks,domains, symbols, symbol sets, representations, and any other physicalform or forms representing information, whether permanent or temporary,whether visible, audible, acoustic, electric, magnetic, electromagnetic,or otherwise manifested. The term “data” as used to represent particularinformation in one physical form shall be deemed to encompass any andall representations of the same particular information in a differentphysical form or forms.

The term “storage” as used herein means data storage devices, apparatus,programs, circuits, systems, subsystems, or other elements whetherimplemented in hardware, software, or both, and whether used to processdata in analog or digital form, into which data may be entered, and fromwhich data may be obtained, as desired. Storage can be primary and/orsecondary and can store data in electromagnetic, magnetic, optical,magneto-optical chemical and/or holographic forms.

The term “processor” as used herein means data processing devices,apparatus, programs, circuits, systems, and subsystems, whetherimplemented in hardware, software, or both, and whether used to processdata in analog or digital form. The processor can operate on data inelectromagnetic, magnetic, optical, magneto-optical chemical and/orholographic forms.

The terms “communicate”, “communicating” and “communications” as usedherein include both conveying data from a source to a destination, aswell as delivering data to a communications medium, system or link to beconveyed to a destination. The term “communication” as used herein meansthe act of communicating or the data communicated, as appropriate.

The terms “coupling”, “coupled”, “coupled to”, and “coupled with” asused herein each mean a relationship between or among two or moredevices, apparatus, files, programs, media, components, networks,systems, subsystems, and/or means, constituting any one or more of (a) aconnection, whether direct or through one or more other devices,apparatus, files, programs, media, components, networks, systems,subsystems, or means, (b) a communications relationship, whether director through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, programs, media,components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, or (c) a functionalrelationship in which the operation of any one or more of the relevantdevices, apparatus, files, programs, media, components, networks,systems, subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in part, on theoperation of any one or more others thereof.

The term “network” as used herein means the communications linkage usedto join two or more units, such as systems, networks, links, nodes,equipment, circuits, buses, and devices and includes without limitationnetworks of all kinds, including coupling amongst components of asystem, both intra-networks and inter-networks and including, but notlimited to, the Internet, and is not limited to any particular suchnetwork.

The terms “computer language” and “computer programming language” asused herein mean a computer programming language for accomplishingsoftware development and/or expressing the source code of a computerprogram. Furthermore, a “computer programming language” may or may notbe classified as object-oriented. “Computer programming languages”include, but are not limited to, Java, C#, and C++.

The terms “virtual machine (VM),” “virtual machine environment,”“managed runtime,” and “managed runtime environment (MRE)” as usedherein refer to an apparatus, either software or hardware, whichexecutes bytecode. Virtual machines may also include a platformapplication programming interface (API) or platform classes thatbytecode programs may call or otherwise make use of. Virtual machinesare designed to isolate software programs from the underlying nativehardware and software platform, which facilitates the creation,deployment, and execution of distributed, secure, platform-independentsoftware programs and components. Java and C# are designed for virtualmachine environments, whereas C++ is not.

The term “bytecode” as used herein refers to a non-native binaryrepresentation of an executable program or software component. Bytecodeis designed to be executed by a virtual machine. Bytecode may also bereferred to as an “intermediate language (IL).”

The term “garbage collector” as used herein refers to an apparatus forautomated object management, where allocated memory is automaticallyreclaimed when it is unneeded, which is accomplished through ahousekeeping process. The housekeeping process may further includememory compaction. The housekeeping process is generally performednondeterministically at the primary discretion of the garbage collector.Virtual machine environments, such as those for Java and C#, include agarbage collector. Legacy and ANSI C++ programming environments do notinclude a garbage collector.

The term “SourceUnit” is the smallest unit of autonomous source code,which may be compiled, interpreted, or executed, depending on thecapabilities of the source language. This generally refers to anindividual source code file, such as in Java, C++, or C#. In C++ andsome other languages, a SourceUnit may be referred to as a “compilationunit.”

The term “Document Object Model (DOM)” is an object-oriented programminginterface for representing the different conceptual elements of adocument. Furthermore, the individual elements in a DOM may be stored ina hierarchy.

The term “SourceUnit DOM” is a specialized DOM for representing thedifferent conceptual elements of a source code file or document. TheSourceUnit DOM is only intended for representing source code files. Theconceptual elements making up a SourceUnit DOM include: single linecomment, multiple line comment, package statement, import statement,class definition, field definition, implementation block, implementationstatement, method definition, static constructor definition, exceptionstatement, control flow statement, and text. There is only oneSourceUnit DOM per SourceUnit. The SourceUnit DOM is a completerepresentation of the original SourceUnit, including its formatting.Alternatively, the term “SourceUnit DOM” may also apply to an AbstractSyntax Tree (AST) that serves the same purpose of representing thedifferent conceptual elements of a source code file or document.

The term “tagged element” is a note inserted by the translator thatcontains extra information to be preserved through the translationprocess. A tagged element is embedded inside specially denoted singleline comment or multiple line comment elements. This extra informationcaptures logic and other content from the original source files thattypically cannot be preserved in translation but through such taggedelements allows such logic and content to be preserved in translatedresults.

The term “keyword” means a word that always has the same meaning andcannot be used for any other purpose, i.e., as identifiers.

The term “class” is a type in an object-oriented programming language. Aclass may have methods, data fields, and inner-classes (classes withinclasses), which may all be generically referred to as “class members.”The term “class” also can refer to an “interface.”

The term “object” is an instance of a class.

The term “method” is a function or procedure that a particular class maydo. A method may or may not be provided with variable parameters, and itmay or may not return a value. A method is always associated with aparticular class, and it may be referred to as a “class member.” Theterm “method” also applies to constructors and destructors.

The term “constructor” is a function or procedure that will be used toinitialize an object, which an instance of a particular class. Aconstructor may or may not be provided with variable parameters, and itmay not return a value. A constructor is always associated with aparticular class, and it may be referred to as a “class member.” A classmust have at least one explicit or implicit constructor in order toinstantiate instances of itself.

The term “destructor” is a function or procedure that will be used todestruct an object, which an instance of a particular class. Adestructor may not be provided with variable parameters, and it may notreturn a value. A destructor is always associated with a particularclass, and it may be referred to as a “class member.” A class may haveonly one destructor, which itself is optional. In Java, a destructor iscalled a “finalizer.”

The term “data field” is a variable that a particular class contains. Adata field may be a numeric value, a Boolean value, an object reference,or an interface reference, or an array reference. A data field is alwaysassociated with a particular class, and it may be referred to as a“class member.”

The term “interface” is a class that declares one or more methods, butit does not define (implement) any of these methods. Instead, otherclasses which implement a particular interface must themselves define(implement) all of the interface's methods.

The term “class declaration” is the declaration of a new class (orinterface) type. A class declaration is sometimes referred to as a“class interface.” It describes the constructors, destructor(finalizer), methods, data fields, and inner-classes (a class within aclass) that make up a particular class. Constructors, destructor,methods, data fields, and inner-classes of a particular class may bereferred to generically as “class members.” A class declaration definesthe access control for each of its class members, be they constructors,destructor, methods, data fields, or inner-classes. A class declarationalso details which class this class inherits from which includes itssuperclass and any interfaces it implements. Certain computer languageslike C++ allow separating class declarations from class implementations,whereas other languages like Java and C# combine both the classdeclaration and class implementation into the class definition. A publicclass declaration makes a particular class accessible so that other(external) classes can create or interact with instances of the class.In turn, other (external) classes come to depend on the classdeclaration, which necessitates that the class declaration remainsconsistent.

The term “class implementation” is the implementation of a newlydeclared class type. It implements its constructors, destructor,methods, static data fields, and inner-classes. Certain computerlanguages like C++ allow separating class declarations from classimplementations, whereas other language like Java and C# combine boththe class declaration and class implementation into the classdefinition. The class implementation is not directly accessible to other(external) classes but only the class declaration is. This means thatthe internal class implementation may potentially be changed withoutadversely affecting other classes which depend on its class declaration.

The term “class definition” is the definition (implementation) of a newclass type. The exact meaning of this term differs from computerlanguage to computer language. For Java and C#, this refers to thecombined class declaration and class implementation. In C++, this refersonly to the class implementation.

The terms “first” and “second” are used to distinguish one element, set,data, object or thing from another, and are not used to designaterelative position or arrangement in time.

The term “object oriented” programming language is programming thatrepresents concepts as objects that include data fields and associatedprocedures. Object oriented programming languages include for examplebut are not limited to, C++, Java, Objective-C, C#, Smalltalk, Perl,PHP, Ruby and Python.

In one advantageous embodiment a computer language translator isprovided that includes translating software executing on a computerhaving a storage. The translating software is provided for translating afirst OOP computer language source code to a second OOP computerlanguage source code. The translating software comprises an emulatedApplication Programming Interface library including a table accessibleby said translating software on the computer. The API library has dataindicative of types of data manipulations between the first computerlanguage source code and the second computer language source code. Thetable includes second computer language equivalent functions callable bythe second computer language. The translator is provided such that thetranslating software identifies the type of data manipulation the firstcomputer language source code performs and accesses the table of the APIlibrary and correlates the type of data manipulation the first computerlanguage source code performs to second computer language source code.The translator is further provided such that the translating softwaregenerates second computer language source code based in part uponidentified equivalent functions in the second computer language.

In another advantageous embodiment a method is provided for translatinga first OOP computer language source code to a second OOP computerlanguage source code comprising the steps of providing a computer with astorage, the computer having translation software executing thereon. Themethod further comprises the steps of providing an emulated ApplicationProgramming Interface library having data indicative of types of datamanipulations between the first computer language source code and thesecond computer language source code. The method further comprises thesteps of providing a table associated with the API library includingsecond computer language equivalent functions callable by said secondcomputer language. The method still further comprises the steps ofidentifying the type of data manipulation the first computer languagesource code performs and accessing the table and correlating the type ofdata manipulation the first computer language source code performs tosecond computer language source code. The method also comprises thesteps of generating second computer language source code based in partupon identified equivalent functions in the second computer language.

In still another advantageous embodiment a computer language translationtool for translating a first OOP computer language source code to asecond OOP computer language source code is provided comprising acomputer having software executing thereon. The software comprises atranslation module and an emulated Application Programming Interfacelibrary module. The API library includes data indicative of types ofdata manipulations of the first OOP computer language source code andsecond computer language API equivalent functions callable by saidsecond computer language. The translation module accesses the table ofthe API library and correlates the type of data manipulation the firstOOP computer language source code performs to second OOP computerlanguage source code. The software also comprises a generation modulegenerating second OOP computer language source code based in part uponidentified equivalent functions in the second computer language.

In yet another embodiment a method for providing source code in adesired Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) computer language is provided,the method comprising the steps of providing a server having a networkconnection and an interface allowing a user computer to access the severvia the network connection; presenting the user with a plurality ofsource code functionality corresponding to a plurality of files; andreceiving a selection of from the user of a selection of at least one ofthe plurality of files. The method further comprises the steps ofreceiving a desired OOP computer language selection from the user; andproviding a translation tool executing on the server. The translationtool includes an emulated Application Programming Interface (API)library including a table. The API library has data indicative of typesof data manipulations of the first OOP computer language source code;and second computer language API equivalent functions callable by saidsecond computer language. The method further comprises the steps ofaccessing the table of the API library and correlating the type of datamanipulation the first OOP computer language source code performs tosecond OOP computer language source code; and generating second OOPcomputer language source code based in part upon identified equivalentfunctions in the second computer language

The invention and its particular features and advantages will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description considered withreference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an advantageous embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram according to FIG. 1 illustrating anadvantageous embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram according to FIG. 1 illustrating anadvantageous embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating some steps involved inbi-directional translation according to another advantageous embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating another advantageous embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram according to FIG. 4 illustrating anotheradvantageous embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram according to FIG. 4 illustrating anotheradvantageous embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram according to FIG. 6 illustrating anotheradvantageous embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram according to FIG. 7 illustrating anotheradvantageous embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram according to FIG. 7 illustrating anotheradvantageous embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram according to FIG. 7 illustrating anotheradvantageous embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram according to FIG. 10 illustrating anotheradvantageous embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram according to FIGS. 9 and 11 illustratinganother advantageous embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram according to FIG. 11 illustrating anotheradvantageous embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram according to FIG. 13 illustrating anotheradvantageous embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram according to FIG. 1 illustrating anadvantageous embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an advantageous embodiment of translation system 100.Translation system 100 is shown including, first computer languagesource code 102, computer 106, translator 108, library 110 and secondcomputer language source code 104.

First computer language source code 102 may comprise any computerlanguage however; in one advantageous embodiment comprise an OOPlanguage such as for instance, Java, C#, C++ or scripting language, suchas JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Perl and/or PHP. Computer 106 may alsocomprise any computer capable of receiving first computer languagesource code 102. Translator 108 in an advantageous embodiment comprisessoftware, executing on computer 106 to received and process firstcomputer language source code 102. While translator 108 executes oncomputer 106, it is not necessary that translator 108 reside on computer106. For instance, translator 108 may comprise software residing onanother computer (not shown) to which computer 106 is connected over,for instance, a network. The network connection may comprise forinstance, a hard wired and/or wireless network, e.g. employing busconnections, parallel cable, serial cable, coaxial cable, fiber optic,twisted wire pair, USB cable, infrared link, radio frequency link,microwave link, satellite link and/or the like.

Also provided in FIG. 1 is library 110 which is coupled to andaccessible by computer 106. In one advantageous embodiment, library 110comprises data indicative of relationships between the first computerlanguage source code 102 and the second computer language source code104. In another advantageous embodiment, library 110 may comprise datafor correlating particular functions of the first computer languagesource code 102 to the second computer language source code 104. Instill another advantageous embodiment library 110 may comprise, forinstance, a database.

Once translator 108 has analyzed first computer language source code102, translator 108 then generates second computer language source code104. Again, second computer language source code 104 may comprise anycomputer language such as for instance, an OOP language including Java,C#, C++ or a scripting language, such as JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Perland/or PHP. Translation system 100 may be operated in various modes ofoperation including, fully automated, manual and/or combinationsthereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, translator 108 generates second computerlanguage source code 104. For instance, when first computer languagesource code 102 comprises Java and second computer language source code104 comprises C++, there is a C++ implementation of the Java language.There is true translation from, in this example Java to C++. This meansthat there is no requirement for interoperability between Java and C++and therefore, no need to utilize a virtual machine after translation.

It should further be noted that the arrows indicated from first computerlanguage source code 102 to computer 106 and from second computerlanguage source code 104 to computer 106 are shown bi-directional. Thisillustrates the bi-directionality of translator 108. For instance, firstcomputer language source code 102 may be input to computer 106 and betranslated to second computer language source code 104. Subsequently,second computer language source code 104 may then be input to computer106 and be re-translated back to first computer language source code102. Notably, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the re-translated first computerlanguage source code is depicted as the same as the first computerlanguage source code 102. This is possible because translator 108translates first computer language source code 102 independent of thecontext of in which it is used. In this manner, the translation ofvarious elements of the source code is always consistent and thereforereversible because of the direct correlation between various elements ofthe first computer language source code 102 to the second computerlanguage source code 104.

FIG. 2A illustrates one advantageous embodiment of the present inventionthat expands translator 108 into analyzer 114 and generator 116. In thisembodiment the translation process is divided into two steps: (1)analysis and (2) generation.

First computer language source code 102 is input to translator 108,which has as a first block, analyzer 114. Analyzer 114 is also coupledto library 110 which, as previously discussed, comprises data indicativeof relationships between the first computer language source code 102 andthe second computer language source code 104. Analyzer 114 will analyzethe function of the first computer language source code 102 and thencorrelate the function to second computer language source code 104. Inone advantageous embodiment, analyzer 114 will logically traverse orcycle through first computer language source code 102 in order to buildclass declarations and/or class definitions.

Analysis encompasses traversing all the elements of a particularSourceUnit DOM in order to produce high-level programming entities. Forconverting Java to C++ for instance, such high-level programmingentities include the main public class and any supporting classes. Theseclasses may, in turn, be made up of methods, fields, staticconstructors, and inner-classes. In another advantageous embodiment,analysis may also entail some language-specific pre-generation work,such as organizing high-level programming entities differently forcertain target languages, such as C++.

Once analyzer 114 has built the class declarations and/or classdefinitions, these are sent to generator 116 for generation of secondcomputer language source code 104. Generation is the process ofproducing source code in the target language from the high-levelprogramming entities, such as public classes, produced from the analysisstep. Generation may further re-organize high-level programming entitiesfor correctness in the target language. Generation may still furtherentail adding embedded tagged elements where necessary so as to preservethe full semantic meaning of the original language and to facilitatebidirectional translation, if desired.

One problem that the generator may encounter during generation is aconflict between keywords between the first computer language sourcecode 102 and the second computer language source code 104. For instance,identifier names in the source language may conflict with keywords indestination language. Such conflicts must be resolved in a consistentmanner and preserve the syntactical correctness and readability of thetranslated result. Name resolution may require name adjustment, which isa mild form of name mangling. Identifier names which conflict withkeywords or other features of the destination language must be adjusted.In such a case, the name is mildly mangled with the best effort beingmade to preserve the name as readable as possible. More common standardconforming identifier names are usually mangled less than uncommonnonstandard identifiers. This strategy is weighted toward preserving thereadability of content which is already deemed readable due to itsstandards conformance.

In an alternative embodiment, FIG. 2B illustrates another expanded viewof translator 108 that includes: parser 112, analyzer 114, and generator116. The translation process according to FIG. 2B may be divided intothree steps: (1) parsing, (2) analysis, (3) generation.

First computer language source code 102 is input to parser 112. Parser112 is provided to parse first computer language source code 102 intoparsed elements prior to transmission to analyzer 114 for building ofclass declarations and/or class definitions. The parser is essentiallyprovided to turn the document into a hierarchy of elements including,for instance but not limited to: comments (such as inserting a taggedelement), class definitions, variable declarations, and/or method calls.Parsing entails breaking each original language source code file downinto corresponding elements in a SourceUnit DOM.

The remaining elements are similar to those discussed in connection withFIG. 2A and will not be repeated here.

FIG. 3 illustrates the process 200 of converting original source filesto a target language and translation back to the original language. As afirst step, a source code file is generated in the original computerlanguage 205. This original computer language may be any computerlanguage as previously discussed in connection with FIG. 1. Once thesource code in the original computer language is generated, the sourcecode file in the original computer language is stored 210. This may belocal storage, for instance on the computer where the original code wasgenerated or over a network. In addition, the storage may be permanent,semi-permanent or temporary. For instance, the original source code maybe stored on a magnetic or optical drive and/or disk, or may only beresident in RAM.

The next step is translation of source code file in original computerlanguage to source code file in target computer language 215. Thisprocess would include for instance, the processes variously described inconnection with FIGS. 1-2B. Once the translation process is completed,the resulting source code file in the target computer language may be(1) compiled into a binary executable program; (2) run; (3) debugged;and (4) profiled 220. To accomplish this step, any number of commercialcompilers may be utilized, for instance, Java and C# may be compiled tobytecode while C++ may be compiled to native code. The steps of runningthe program, debugging and profiling will be minimized due to thetranslation step. Finally, the resulting source code file in the targetlanguage is modified (as necessary) and stored 225.

The result is a highly accurate translation of the original source codefile to the target source code file that will function as seamlessly asthe original source code file, preserving the syntax and function of theoriginal source code file. The process 200 of converting original sourcefiles to a target language is reversible as illustrated in FIG. 3. Theprocess is reversed by the translation of the source code file in thetarget computer language back to the original computer language 230. Itshould be noted however, the any modifications made to the source codefile will be reflected in the re-translated source code. Once the targetlanguage source code file is re-translated to the original source codelanguage, the resulting source code file in the original computerlanguage may be (1) compiled into a binary executable program; (2) run;(3) debugged; and (4) profiled 235. As previously stated, any number ofcommercial compilers may be utilized to accomplish this step. As can beseen from FIG. 3, the process 200 has returned to the step of storingthe source code file in the original computer language 210.

This bi-directional translation process 200 is possible in part, becausethe translation from the original source code to the target source codeis accomplished without regard to the context. The translation ofelements is always consistent, and thereby reversible. For instance,keywords and identifiers are always resolved in a consistent manner andpreserve the syntactical correctness and readability of the translatedresult.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps taken in oneadvantageous embodiment by translation system 300 in translating sourcecode from an original computer language to a target computer language.Translation system 300 provides the significant benefits of: maintainingthe logic, expression, and formatting of the original source code filesthrough translation, which in turn, facilitates re-translation back tothe original computer language. The process may for instance, beuser-initiated or initiated as a batch process and after initiation isfully automated, requiring no further user involvement.

Further, FIG. 4 details the various hierarchical array types andhierarchical array references types and their relationship to oneanother and other objects in the system. The array types support storingboth one-dimensional and multi-dimensional storage of array elements. Inaddition, the hierarchical array reference types fully supportinheritance for themselves and the elements they contain. In oneadvantageous embodiment, element count is read-only and is fixed whenthe array is created.

One problem associated with reference types is that external classes forinstance, in C++ are stored in their own files called (“header files”).If one class makes use of another class, it must include the otherclass' header file before it declares its own class. A problem ariseswhen the classes refer to each other creating a circular dependency.However, translation system 300 obviates this problem by declaringreference types in their own files. A reference type file then onlyneeds to include the header file of its superclass and implementedinterfaces. A superclass is a parent of the class that extends from it,and subclasses (or child classes) can never be their own parent therebypreventing the circular dependency problem.

Another advantage to this embodiment of the present invention is thatthe second computer language source code is utilized to implement typesof data manipulations of the first computer language source code. Whentranslating from Java or C# to C++, this provides the benefit ofeliminating the need for a virtual machine because there isimplementation of the original language's (i.e., Java or C#) platformclasses in the target language (i.e., C++).

In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, no garbagecollector is required to automatically manage objects. Rather,translation system 300 automatically provides for object managementmaking translation system 300 suitable for use with embedded systems.

As an initial step, the user (or the script file of a batch process)specifies the following: directory path of source code file(s),directory path of pre-translated source code files (if any), and filetypes to generate in target language 302. Of course, this initial stepassumes that, the source code files in the original language (i.e., Javaor C#) 304 have already been generated. In addition, pre-translatedsoftware class library (i.e., native implementation of Java platformclasses, or C# and .NET platform classes in target language) 306, andpre-translated class declaration file(s) in target language 308 havebeen provided.

The next step is that the user (or the batch process) starts thetranslation process 310 followed by generation of the list of packagesfrom the specified directory path of source code files 312. As usedherein, source code projects are made up of one or more packages, whichin turn variously comprise: classes, fields, methods, inner classes,blocks, statements and/or combinations thereof. A source code projectincludes all the source code files related to a particular softwareapplication program. Translation system 300 then iterates through thepackages 314 so as to generate a package importation file(s) in thetarget language 316, which in turn results in a generated packageimportation file in the target language 318. The next step is togenerate a list of source file(s) from the specified directory path(s)of source code files 320.

Translation system 300 then iterates through each source code file 322.At this point, translation system 300 resolves whether the source codefile exists 324. If the source code file does not exist, translationsystem 300 will notify the user that the source code file does not exist326 and will return to allowing the user to specify the directory path302.

If however, the source code file does exist, translation system 300proceeds to parse source file into tree of source code elements,including formatting, using an event-driven parser such as, forinstance, Simple API for XML (SAX) 328. This high level parsing of thesource code file results in the generation of source code document(SourceUnit DOM) 330. The parsing step is essentially provided to turnthe source code file into a hierarchy of elements and is discussed inmore detail in connection with FIG. 2B.

Next, translation system 300 performs an analysis of the source code byanalyzing the source code element tree in the source code document intoclass definitions 332. The next step is to analyze importedpre-translated class declaration file(s) into class declarations 334. Atthis point, translation system 300 has logically traversed or gonethrough all of the parsed elements to build class definitions and classdeclarations to be used for generation of the target source code. In thebuilding of the class definitions and class declarations, somepreliminary broad pre-translation to the target language may also takeplace. This analysis has also been previously discussed in connectionwith FIG. 2A.

We next move to the actual generation of the target source code. As aninitial step, translation system 300 generates a class importation filein the target language 336, which results in a generated classimportation file in the target language 338. The next step is togenerate a class reference type definition file in the target language340, which also results in a generated class reference type file in thetarget language 342. Following this step is to generate a classdeclaration file in the target language 360, which too results in agenerated class declaration file in the target language 344. The processof generating the class declaration file is described in more detail inconnection with FIG. 5. Finally, translation system 300 generates aclass implementation file in the target language 400, which results in agenerated class implementation file in the target language 346. Thisstep is also described in greater detail in connection with FIG. 6. Thisgeneration step has also been discussed in connection with FIG. 2A.

This completes the translation process of the specified source file suchthat translation system 300 proceeds to the next source file 348 and/orthe next package 350, and returns to iterating through the packages 314.The process will be repeated until all packages have been translated.

FIG. 5 is an expanded view of the step of generating a class declarationfile in the target language 360. As an initial step, analysis of classdefinitions in the original language 362 is performed, followed bygeneration of statements for referencing external classes in the targetlanguage 364. The next step is to iterate through the class definitionsin the original language 366. For Java and C#, this includes forinstance, one public class and zero or more private implementationclasses. Once this step is completed, the system may generate staticfield declarations 368. The system then iterates through the methoddefinitions 370. In this context, method refers to static initializer,constructors, destructor (finalizer), and methods. Again, once this stepis completed, the system may generate method declaration(s) in thetarget language 372. If there are additional method definitions 374and/or additional class definitions 376, the system will continue toiterate through those; if not the system will complete this step andmove on to generating a class implementation file in the target language400 as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an expanded view of the step of generating a classimplementation file in the target language 400. Initially, analysis ofclass definitions in the original language 402 is performed. For Javaand C#, this includes for instance, one public class and zero or moreprivate implementation classes. This is followed by generation ofstatements for referencing external classes in the target language 404.This corresponds to “import” statements in Java and C#, and “#include”and “using” statements in C++. The system next iterates through classdefinitions in the original language 406 and then generates static fielddefinitions 408. The system then proceeds to iterate through methoddefinitions 410. Again, in this context, method refers to staticinitializer, constructors, destructor (finalizer), and methods. Thesystem may then generate out-of-line classes corresponding to anonymousinner-classes 412. In Java, anonymous inner-classes are defined inlinewithin individual statements. These anonymous inner-classes areproduced, in one advantageous embodiment, during analysis by analyzingthe statements making up a method definition. The system next proceedsto generate statements in the target language 414. Again, in onepreferred embodiment, references to anonymous inner-classes inindividual statements are replaced with references to the correspondinggenerated out-of-line class names. If there are additional methoddefinitions 416 and/or additional class definitions in the originallanguage 418, the system will continue to iterate through those. Ifthere are none left, the system will complete this step and proceed todetermining if there is another source file 348 as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is an expanded view of the step of generating statements in thetarget language 414. FIG. 7 generally describes one advantageousembodiment of the process for translating a statement in the originallanguage to the source language using simulated keywords and embeddedtagged elements. This process enables results to be for instance,translated back to original language.

The system starts with a statement in the original language 420.Initially, the system parses the statement into sub-statements 422 andthen iterates through the sub-statements 424. The system then determinesif the sub-statement requires a reference type or a referenced type 426.This step is described further in connection with FIG. 8. If it isdetermined that a reference type is required, the system proceeds toparse the reference type name identifier 428, and replace the referencetype name identifier with an adjusted name for the target language 430.This step is described further in connection with FIG. 9. Once this stepis completed, the system proceeds to parse the sub-statement intoexpressions 432. Alternatively, in connection with determining if thesub-statement requires a reference type or a referenced type 426, if thesystem determines that a referenced type is required, the system willalso proceed to parse the sub-statement into expressions 432. Once thesub-statements have been parsed into expressions, the system iteratesthrough the expressions 434 and parses any type name identifier in theexpression 436. At this point the system determines if the identifiername is compatible with the target language 438. If it is not, thesystem proceeds to replace the identifier with an adjusted name 440.This step is described further in connection with FIG. 10. Once theidentifier is replaced with an adjusted name, or it is determined thatthe identifier name is compatible with the target language, the systemproceeds to determine if the expression corresponds to a simulatedkeyword 442. If it is determined that the expression does correspond toa keyword, the expression is replaced with a simulated keyword 444. Oncethe expression is replaced with a simulated keyword or it is determinedthat the expression does not correspond to a simulated keyword, thesystem proceeds to determine if the translation is fully expressible inthe target language 446. If the translation is not fully expressible inthe target language, the system will proceed to embed tagged elements ora tag 448 in the translated language. Once the tagged element isembedded or it is determined that the translation is fully expressiblein the target language, the system proceeds to the next expression 450and/or the next sub-statement 452 to repeat the above-described processuntil all expressions and sub-statements are translated. If it isdetermined that there are no more expressions or sub-statements, thesystem proceeds back to the next step of determining if there areadditional statements in the method definition that contains thestatement. If it is determined that there are no more statements, thesystem proceeds back to the next step of determining if there areadditional method definitions 416 as illustrated in FIG. 6.

The following is a table in extended BNF notation illustrating anexample of a potential format of embedded content, which cannot beexpressed in the target language and is therefore embedded as taggedelements within the comment sections:

Syntax EmbeddedContent ::= EmbeddedComment+ (Expression+EmbeddedComment+)? Expression ::= expression in target language relatedto embedded content EmbeddedComment ::= CommentBeginSymbol “//”TaggedElements CommentEndSymbol TaggedElements ::= TaggedElement+TaggedElement ::= (“<” Namespace “:” ElementName “ “ ElementAttributes“>”) | (“</” Namespace “:” ElementName “ “ ElementAttributes* “>”)Namespace ::= namespace for embedded tags (i.e., “pie”) ElementName ::=name of embedded element (i.e., “loopscope”) ElementAttributes ::=attributes for embedded element CommentBeginSymbol ::= language-specificsymbol or keyword (“/*” for C++, C#, Java) CommentEndSymbol ::=language-specific symbol or keyword (“*/” for C++, C#, Java) Source Codein Original Translated Source Code in Target Language (Java) Language(ANSI C++, Visual C++ 6.0) for (int index = 0; index/*//<pie:loopscope>*/{ < 10; index ++) /*//</pie:loopscope>*/ { for(pi_int index_ = 0; index_(—) index *= 2; < 10; index_ ++) } { int index= 10; index_ *= 2; } /*//<pie:loopscope>*/{ /*//</pie:loopscope>*/pi_int index_ = 10;

The following is a table illustrating an example of simulated keywordsused to provide corresponding features and forms of expression of theoriginal language in the target language. Simulated keywords fullypreserve all details of the expression of the original language so thatthe translated results in the target language can be accuratelytranslated back to the original language, producing identical orsubstantially identical results to the original expressions in theoriginal language.

Expression in Original Language Simulated Keyword Expression in (Java)Target Language (ANSI C++) (className)objectInstance pi_cast(className,*objectInstance) (className)this pi_cast(className, this) objectInstanceinstanceof pi_instanceof(*objectInstance, className className) thisinstanceof className pi_instanceof(this, className) throws classNamepi_throws(className) throws className1, className2,pi_throwsbegin(className1) . . . className9 pi_throwsalso(className2) .. . pi_throwsalso(className9) pi_throwsend( ) switch (expression) {pi_beginswitch(type, expression) } (as used to end a switch block)pi_endswitch( ) case value: pi_case(value) default: pi_default( ) Nullpi_null synchronized (as used within pi_synchronized method definitions)interface interfaceName class pi_interfaceclass interfaceName Booleanpi_boolean

FIG. 8 is an expanded view of the step of determining if thesub-statement requires a reference type or a referenced type 426. FIG. 8generally describes the process of determining if the statement requiresa reference type or a referenced type. In this advantageous embodiment,the process is demonstrated by the example of translating a statement orexpression in the Java language to the C++ language. However, it iscontemplated that this process may be modified for applicable withconversion of any computer language.

The system starts with a statement or expression 454. A determination isthen made as to whether the target language requires separate types forreferences 456. If not, the referenced type is used 466. If however, thetarget language does require separate types for references, the systemproceeds to determine if the statement or expression is a variabledeclaration statement 458. If not, the reference type is used 464. Ifhowever, it is determined that the statement or expression is a variabledeclaration statement, the system proceeds to determine if it is cast oran instance of expression 460. If not, the referenced type is used 466.If however, it is determined that it is cast or an instance ofexpression, the system proceeds to determine if the parameter type is anarray 462. If not, the referenced type is used 466. If so, the referencetype is used 464. The system then proceeds according to FIG. 7 asprevious discussed.

FIG. 9 is an expanded view of the step of replacing the reference typename identifier with an adjusted name for the target language 430.Generally, in this step the identifier name is adjusted for the targetlanguage. If the variable type is not an array or is not a primitive,the name is further adjusted to be a reference type for the targetlanguage.

In this step, the system begins with a reference type name identifier inthe source language 468. It is then determined if the type name is afundamental type in the source language 470. If not, then the class nameidentifier is adjusted for the target language 472, which is describedin more detail in connection with FIG. 12. Once this is completed, it isdetermined if the name is an array reference 478. If not, then thesystem will proceed to append a character to the resultant identifier482. This character may be for instance, any alphanumeric characterdepending on the computer language. For example, an uppercase “R” may beeffectively utilized in connection with the Java language because it isuncommon for Java variable type names to end with an uppercase “R” andit further indicates “Reference” to the user. Other suffixes however,may be effectively utilized in connection with other computer languages.Once the character is appended, the system completes this step.

If on the other hand, it is determined that the type name is afundamental type in the source language according to step 470, then aprimitive type name is translated to the target language 474. The systemmay, in one advantageous embodiment, reference a table of primitive typenames in the original language and target language 476 to facilitatethis step. Once this is completed, it is determined if the name is anarray reference 480. If not, then the system completes this step.

If however, it is determined that the name is an array reference 478and/or 480, the system will then proceed to determine the arraydimensions 484. If it is determined that there is one dimension, twocharacters are appended to the resultant identifier 488. Again, in oneadvantageous embodiment, uppercase “AR” may be effectively used becauseit is uncommon for Java variable types to end with uppercase “AR” and itmay indicate for instance, “Array Reference” to the user. Alternatively,if it is determined that there are two dimensions, three characters areappended to the resultant identifier 486. For instance, uppercase “AAR”may be utilized and indicate for instance, “Array of Array References”to the user. It is however contemplated that other suffixes may beeffectively utilized in connection with other computer languages. Oncethese characters are appended, the system completes this step.

FIG. 10 is an expanded view of the step of replacing the identifier withan adjusted name 440. FIG. 10 generally describes the process ofadjusting referenced type name identifiers in the source language to asuitable name in the target language. The process of Identifier NameAdjustment is a mild form of name mangling that produces a fullyhuman-readable name.

This step starts with a referenced type name identifier in the sourcelanguage 490 and proceeds to determine if the type name is a fundamentaltype in the source language 492. If not, the class name identifier isadjusted for the target language 494. This step is described in greaterdetail in connection with FIG. 11. If however, the type name is afundamental type in the source language, the system proceeds totranslate the primitive type name to the target language 496. Again, inone advantageous embodiment, a reference table of primitive type namesin the original language and target language 498 may be used tofacilitate this step.

FIG. 11 is an expanded view of the step of adjusting a class nameidentifier for the target language 494. FIG. 11 generally describes theprocess of adjusting composite unparsed identifiers into package names,class names, method names, and variable names and identifiers in thesource language to a suitable name in the target language.

An identifier in the original language 500 is analyzed to determine ifthe identifier name is qualified 502. For clarity, a qualified namecontains one or more identifier name separator tokens, for instance,Java and C# use the period “.” character (i.e., java.lang.Object orSystem.object is qualified, but Object or object is not). If it isdetermined that the identifier name is qualified, the system proceeds todetermine if the identifier name is an imported class 504, and in oneadvantageous embodiment may utilize a list of imported classes 506 tofacilitate this determination. If the identifier name is an importedclass, the system proceeds to adjust the class name identifier for thetarget language 506, which is discussed in greater detail in connectionwith FIG. 12. Alternatively, if the identifier name is not an importedclass, the system proceeds to determining if the identifier is a methodor a data field identifier 508. If it is determined to be a methodidentifier, the method name identifier is adjusted for the targetlanguage 510, which is again discussed in greater detail in connectionwith FIG. 12. However, if the identifier name is determined to be a datafield, the data field name identifier is adjusted for the targetlanguage 512, which is discussed in greater detail in connection withFIG. 13.

Returning now to the step of determining if the identifier name isqualified 502, if it is determined to be qualified, the system proceedsto determine if the identifier is a fully qualified imported class 514.If so, the package/namespace of the identifier is parsed 516, and thenthe package or namespace of the identifier for the target language isadjusted 518, which is again described in greater detail in connectionwith FIG. 12. Once this step is completed or in the event the identifieris not a fully qualified imported class, the system proceeds to parsethe class name identifier and method or data field identifier 520. Itshould also be noted that the class name identifier here may alsocomprise an inner-class. The class name identifier for the targetlanguage is then adjusted 522 as further described in connection withFIG. 12. Next it is determined whether an identifier is supplied afterthe class name 524. If not, this step is completed. If it is determinedthat an identifier is supplied after the class name, then the systemproceeds to determine if the identifier is a method or a data fieldidentifier 508 as previously discussed.

FIG. 12 is an expanded view of the step of adjusting the name identifierfor the target language. There are various steps in the previousdrawings that reference this process including: adjusting the class nameidentifier 472; adjusting the method name identifier 510; and adjustingthe package name identifier 518. In this process, an identifier name isgenerally parsed into name segments, which are individually andindependently adjusted for the target language so that the adjusted nameis universal. This provides the benefit of allowing individual classesto be translated as modified without requiring retranslation of allrelated source code files in the entire project. It also facilitatesautomation because no human interaction is necessary to determine orspecify named aliases.

An identifier name in the original computer language 526 is parsed intoname segments 528. The system then iterates through the name segments530 and further parses the identifier name segment in the originalcomputer language 532. It is then determined if the name segment is akeyword in the target language 534. If the name segment is determined tobe a keyword in the target language, the system will proceed to appendan underscore (“_”) to the name segment 536 and proceeds to the nextname segment 538. If however, the name segment is determined to not be akeyword in the target language, the system proceeds to determine if thename segment terminates or ends with an underscore (“_”) 540. If so, thesystem proceeds to append an underscore (“_”) to the name segment 542and proceeds to the next name segment 538. If however, it is determinedthat the name segment does not terminate with an underscore (“_”), thesystem proceeds to determine whether the name segment ends with aselected character, such as for instance, with an uppercase “R” 544. Ifnot, the system proceeds to the next name segment 538. If however, it isdetermined that the name segment ends with a selected character, anunderscore (“_”) is inserted before the last character in the identifiername 546, after which the system proceeds to the next name segment 538.

FIG. 13 is an expanded view of the step of adjusting the data field nameidentifier for the target language 512. FIG. 13 generally describes theprocess of resolving conflicting syntactical rules between the originalcomputer language and the target computer language. This process is ademonstration of one advantageous embodiment of the present inventionproviding an example of translating a class data field identifier namein a source language, such as Java, to a target language, such as C++.It should however be noted that this is merely an example specific tothe computer languages used in the example and is equally applicable toany number of various computer languages.

This process begins with a class data field identifier name in theoriginal computer language 548. It is then determined whether the sourcelanguage supports both a method named “X” and a data field named “X” inthe same class declaration 550. If so, the system proceeds to determineif the target language supports both a method named “X” and a data fieldnamed “X” in the same class declaration 552. If so, this process iscompleted. If not however, the field name identifier for the targetlanguage is adjusted 554, which is discussed in greater detail inconnection with FIG. 14, after which the process is completed. Returningnow to determining whether the source language supports both a methodnamed “X” and a data field named “X” in the same class declaration 550,if not, then the system determines if the target language supports botha method named “X” and a data field named “X” in the same classdeclaration 556. If not, the process is completed. If however it doessupport both a method named “X” and a data field named “X” in the sameclass declaration, then the system translates the adjusted field name tothe original name in the target language 558, after which the process iscompleted.

FIG. 14 is an expanded view of the step of adjusting the field nameidentifier for the target language 554. FIG. 14 starts with a data fieldname identifier or variable name identifier in the original language560. It is then determined if the name ends with an underscore (“_”)562. If not, the system proceeds to append an underscore (“_”) to thename segment 564. If however, it is determined that the name ends withan underscore (“_”), the system proceeds to append the text to a nameindicating that it is a field name which ends with an underscore 566.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram depicting a translation tool 600 that may be,for example, web-based. A server 602 is depicted presenting an interface604 that is accessible by a user via a user computer 606 over a networkconnection (e.g., the Internet). The interface 604 allows the user tobrowse through various open source code providing various functionalityas is known in the art. Once the user identifies the source codeproviding the functionality desired, the user can then select theidentified source code. The user is then presented with an option viathe interface 604 prompting the user to select (or enter) the OOPlanguage the user wants the selected source code to be presented in.Once the user's input is received, the translation tool 608 proceedswith the translation process to provide the source code in the desiredOOP language.

It is contemplated that the source code may reside on a storage 610 andbe saved as a first OOP language (e.g., C++), however, the user wouldlike to receive the source code in a second OOP language (e.g., Java).In this case, the translation tool would retrieve the source code in thefirst OOP language and generated source code in the desired second OOPlanguage 612.

While the translation tool 608 is illustrated as residing on the server602, it is contemplated that the translation tool 608 may reside on asecond server (not shown) hosted as a different web site from interface604. In this instance, the user could, via interface 604, select thedesired source code in the first OOP language, download the selectedsource code to the user computer 606, navigate to the web page hostingthe translation tool 608, and then upload the first OOP language fortranslation to a second desired OOP language. Alternatively, instead ofthe user having to download and then upload the first OOP language, itis contemplated that the interface 604 could push the first OOP languageto the web site hosting the translation tool 608 for translation via auser account.

Still further, the user, once translation tool 608 generates the sourcecode in the second OOP language, could be presented with a preview ofthe individual translated files via interface 604. The user could alsoexecute the source code in the second OOP language via interface 604allowing the user to view and/or evaluate the functionality of thetranslated source code prior to downloading or receiving the second OOPlanguage source code.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the translation tool 608 in greaterdetail, which is illustrated including a Application ProgrammingInterface (API) Module 612, a Translation Module 614 and a GenerationModule 616. The translation tool 608 functions essentially in the samemanner as previously described and therefore, will not be re-describedhere. Likewise, the function of the various modules have also beenpreviously described (e.g., the API library has been described, as hasthe software for analyzing of first source code function and selectingcorresponding second source code (Translation Module) and the generationof the second source code based on the selected second source). It willbe understood to one of skill in the art that translation tool 608comprises software that executes on, in this embodiment, a web-basedserver, and the various modules illustrated in FIG. 15 also comprisesoftware that perform various functions as previously described.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a particulararrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended toexhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many othermodifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill inthe art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer language translation tool fortranslating a first Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) computer languagesource code to a second OOP computer language source code, the systemcomprising: a computer having software executing thereon, the softwarecomprising: a translation module; an emulated Application ProgrammingInterface (API) library module including a table, said API libraryhaving: data indicative of types of data manipulations of the first OOPcomputer language source code; second computer language API equivalentfunctions callable by said second computer language; said translationmodule accessing the table of said API library and correlating the typeof data manipulation the first OOP computer language source codeperforms to second OOP computer language source code; a generationmodule generating second OOP computer language source code based in partupon identified equivalent functions in the second computer language. 2.The tool according to claim 1 wherein the translator is a bi-directionaltranslator.
 3. The tool according to claim 2 wherein said translationmodule accesses said library and correlates the type of datamanipulation the second computer language source code performs to firstcomputer language source code.
 4. The tool according to claim 3 whereinthe correlation from the second computer language to the first computerlanguage is independent of the context in which the second computerlanguage source code is used, said generation module generatesre-translated first computer language source code that emulates the typeof data manipulation the second computer language source code performs.5. The tool according to claim 2 wherein the re-translated firstcomputer language source code equates to the first computer languagesource code in: context, syntax, form of expression and formatting. 6.The tool according to claim 1 wherein said translation module performs aname adjustment when an incompatibility between the first computerlanguage source code and the second computer language source codeoccurs.
 7. The tool according to claim 1 wherein the first computerlanguage source code comprises a class.
 8. The tool according to claim 7wherein the class consists of units selected from the group consistingof: methods, data fields, inner-classes, and combination thereof.
 9. Thetool according to claim 1 wherein the first computer language sourcecode comprises an identifier.
 10. The tool according to claim 9 whereinsaid translation module performs a name adjustment when anincompatibility between the identifier and the second computer languagesource code occurs.
 11. The tool according to claim 1 wherein saidtranslation module generates a tagged element inserted in the secondcomputer language source code indicative of a type of data manipulationthe first computer language source code performs.
 12. The tool accordingto claim 11 wherein the tagged element comprises information selectedfrom the group consisting of: formatting, translation data, and firstcomputer language source code.
 13. The tool according to claim 1 whereinthe first computer language is Java and the second computer language isC++, C#, or Objective-C.
 14. The tool according to claim 1 wherein thefirst computer language is C# and the second computer language is C++ orObjective-C.
 15. The tool according to claim 1 wherein the first or thesecond computer language is a scripting language.
 16. The tool accordingto claim 15 wherein the scripting language is selected from the groupconsisting of JavaScript, Ruby, Python, Perl and PHP.
 17. The toolaccording to claim 1 wherein said computer comprises a server, and auser accesses the server via a user computer connected to the server viaa network connection.
 18. A method for providing source code in adesired Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) computer language, the methodcomprising the steps of: providing a server having a network connectionand an interface allowing a user computer to access the sever via thenetwork connection; presenting the user with a plurality of source codefunctionality corresponding to a plurality of files; receiving aselection of from the user of a selection of at least one of theplurality of files; receiving a desired OOP computer language selectionfrom the user; providing a translation tool executing on the server, thetranslation tool having: an emulated Application Programming Interface(API) library including a table, the API library having: data indicativeof types of data manipulations of the first OOP computer language sourcecode; second computer language API equivalent functions callable by saidsecond computer language; accessing the table of the API library andcorrelating the type of data manipulation the first OOP computerlanguage source code performs to second OOP computer language sourcecode; and generating second OOP computer language source code based inpart upon identified equivalent functions in the second computerlanguage.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step oftransmitting a notification to the user when the second OOP computerlanguage source code is generated.
 20. The method of claim 19 whereinthe notification includes the generated second OOP computer languagesource code.
 21. The method of claim 19 wherein the notificationincludes a link directing the user to a location where the user maydownload the generated second OOP computer language source code.
 22. Themethod of claim 19 further comprising the steps of: receiving a previewrequest from the user; and presenting a preview of the second OOPcomputer language source code to the user.
 23. The method of claim 19further comprising the steps of: receiving a program execution requestfrom the user; and executing the second OOP computer language sourcecode on the server.